The Environment Ministry argues that tackling the sargassum problem requires coordinated action among affected countries, local authorities, productive sectors, and civil society
SANTO DOMINGO.– The Deputy Minister of Coastal and Marine Resources of the Ministry of Environment,José Ramón Reyes López, warned the public this Friday, especially pregnant women and those with wounds or scratches on their bodies, to refrain from entering beaches where large amounts of sargassum are inundated, as this represents a danger due to direct contact with these algae.
The official explained that, as these algae decompose, they release hydrogen sulfide, which can cause allergies in people with wounds and, he indicated, pose a risk of miscarriage for pregnant women.
“Good afternoon, my name is José Ramón Reyes López, Vice Minister of Coastal and Marine Resources at the Ministry of the Environment. I want to take this opportunity to warn anyone with a scratch or wound, and especially pregnant women, to refrain from entering beaches where large amounts of sargassum have washed ashore. As sargassum decomposes, it releases hydrogen sulfide, which can cause allergic reactions in people with wounds and miscarriage in pregnant women. It can also cause significant harm,” he stated in a video released this Friday.
What is sargassum?
According to information provided by the Ministry of Environment on its official website, sargassum is a natural phenomenon consisting of the accumulation of floating brown algae in the Atlantic Ocean.
These marine species play an important ecological role by serving as food and shelter for numerous other species. However, in recent years, their presence on the Caribbean coast has increased, generating environmental, economic, and social problems.
Problems it generates
This situation affects marine life by reducing oxygen and light in the water, causing the death of fish, corals, and other species.
In that sense, when these algae decompose on the coast, they release gases that can generate bad odors, skin irritation, headaches, and respiratory problems in people.
Negative impact on tourism
This problem also has a negative impact on tourism, one of the main economic activities in the region, because it deteriorates the beauty and conditions of the beaches.
Possible solutions
The Ministry of Environment argues that tackling the sargassum problem requires coordinated action between affected countries, local authorities, productive sectors, and civil society.
Among the proposed measures are the installation of floating barriers at sea, the cleaning of beaches with specialized machinery, the monitoring of algae movement and its use as a resource for the production of sustainable products.
Education and awareness-raising among the population are also fundamental to addressing this situation.
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